This blog post is AI-generated by Claude and inspired by the original PolyTripper video linked below.
Hi Language Buddy!
I hope you had a productive week. Today I want to talk about the Swiss Cheese method—and I'm vegan, so I don't know if you've seen Swiss cheese, but I can't think of a better analogy!
In the 1970s, a person named Alan Lakein wrote a book called "How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life." Although it was written nearly 50 years ago, I still think it's one of the best time management books I've ever read.
One of the concepts in this book was called the Swiss Cheese method. You can Google it—I'm pretty sure this stuff is online.
Lakein's thesis was that when you want to accomplish a large project—especially a discretionary one like learning Russian—life rarely gives you massively large blocks of time to do what you want with.
Ideally, if you wanted to do a project, you'd just get three months where you wouldn't have to work, wouldn't have to do anything with your family, wouldn't have to do anything other than work on your personal project. That ain't gonna happen unless you've found a way to make it happen—in which case, you should be giving me advice instead of the other way around!
With the Swiss Cheese method, you can pick away at a task like the holes in Swiss cheese—basically 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there.
I feel like learning apps have evolved a lot since then. For example, you've got apps like Duolingo where they say do 15 minutes a day. Those kinds of apps didn't exist back in the seventies, but I think learning science has acknowledged that a little bit of progress every day over a long period trumps trying to find in vain that big block of time you'll never find.
The way this applies to me: with my Russian vocabulary book, I try to type 200 sentences a week into a spreadsheet where I can export to CSV and make flashcards from it. That's my goal—200 sentences a week.
But I rarely have hours and hours to do that. So I'll think, "Oh, I've got 10 minutes. Let me just type in some vocab for 10 minutes."
Research strongly supports this approach:
Spaced repetition effectiveness: Dr. Hermann Ebbinghaus's research shows that distributed practice over time is far more effective than massed practice in single sessions.
Cognitive load theory: Studies by Dr. John Sweller demonstrate that short, focused sessions prevent cognitive overload and improve retention.
Habit formation research: Dr. BJ Fogg's work shows that tiny, consistent actions build stronger habits than sporadic intensive efforts.
Microlearning studies: Research indicates that 10-15 minute learning sessions can be as effective as longer sessions for skill acquisition and retention.
This method also allows me to avoid the YouTube trap I talked about a couple weeks ago. Instead of mindlessly scrolling when I have 10 minutes, I can make actual progress on my language goals.
The beauty of the Swiss Cheese method lies in several principles:
Consistency over intensity: Regular small efforts compound more effectively than sporadic large efforts.
Lower barrier to entry: It's easier to commit to 10 minutes than to find a two-hour block.
Reduced procrastination: Small tasks feel less overwhelming and intimidating.
Momentum building: Success with small chunks creates motivation for continued effort.
Time maximization: Uses otherwise "dead" time productively.
The Swiss Cheese method works for various language learning activities:
Reading practice: Bring reading material to office visits, oil changes, waiting rooms.
App usage: Use language apps during short breaks throughout the day.
Listening practice: Play podcasts or audio lessons during commutes or while doing chores.
Writing practice: Keep a language journal for quick thoughts and observations.
Pronunciation work: Practice sounds and phrases during brief moments of privacy.
Lakein was ahead of his time—he identified principles that language learning apps now use as core features:
Daily streaks: Apps encourage consistent small efforts rather than marathon sessions.
Bite-sized lessons: Most successful language apps use 10-20 minute lesson formats.
Mobile accessibility: Learning can happen anywhere, anytime with a smartphone.
Progress tracking: Visual feedback shows how small efforts accumulate over time.
The traditional approach of waiting for large time blocks fails because:
Life interferes: Work, family, and other obligations constantly interrupt plans.
Perfectionism paralysis: Waiting for the "perfect" time means never starting.
Cognitive fatigue: Extended study sessions often become less effective over time.
Motivation dependency: Relying on feeling motivated for hours at a time is unrealistic.
All-or-nothing thinking: Missing one long session can derail momentum completely.
To implement this method effectively:
Identify your holes: Map out 5-15 minute gaps in your daily schedule.
Prepare materials: Have books, apps, or audio ready for instant use.
Set micro-goals: Define what you can accomplish in small increments (like my 200 sentences per week).
Track progress: Use spreadsheets or apps to see how small efforts add up.
Celebrate wins: Acknowledge the productivity of using "dead" time constructively.
Over time, you'll be amazed at the progress you make through these small increments. You'll also be happy knowing you didn't spend those 10-minute periods doing something unproductive.
This isn't just about efficiency—it's about recognizing that consistent small actions often outperform sporadic large efforts.
Common Swiss Cheese opportunities:
• Waiting for appointments
• Commuting on public transport
• Commercial breaks during TV shows
• Standing in lines
• Before bed or after waking
• During lunch breaks
• While exercising
My specific goal of typing 200 sentences per week might seem arbitrary, but it works because:
It's measurable: I can track exact progress.
It's achievable: Roughly 30 sentences per day is manageable.
It's flexible: I can do 50 one day, 10 another, as time allows.
It creates flashcards: The CSV export turns effort into study materials.
It builds momentum: Each week's completion motivates the next.
The Swiss Cheese method isn't just about immediate productivity—it's about building sustainable learning habits that work within real-life constraints.
Rather than feeling guilty about not having enough time, you can feel proud of maximizing the time you do have.
That's my Swiss Cheese strategy for this week: when you have 5-10 minutes, think about what you can accomplish in that time and chip away at your language goals one small hole at a time!
Take care, and I'll see you next week!
